Mattress warmers November 05, 2007, 07:51:06 pm Yahoo Message Number: 85592With today's talk about heaters, it would be a good time to report in about electric mattress heaters. We have been using one for a year now and absolutely think it's one of the best things we have added for wintertime camping. We use to hate getting into an ice-cold bunk but now, once warmed, it's a pleasure. We started with a 120 VAC heater, a $30 Sunbeam model from Wal-Mart, but found that our modified-sine-wave inverter would not operate it. The heater's solid-state controller instantly would go into a fault mode when turned on. It now lives on our bed at home. It was replaced with a 12 VDC ElectroWarmth model from Backwoods Solar. It uses 5 amps and only needs to be run for 30-45 minutes (depending on how cold it is) to nicely warm up our bed. It's a worth every amp-hour of power.http://www.backwoodssolar.com/catalog/appliances_dc.htm#BED%20WARMERS> Ours is the T-54 model.Larry
Re: Mattress warmers Reply #1 – November 05, 2007, 09:07:50 pm Yahoo Message Number: 85594Larry I have a mattress heating pad at home and boy do I love it for warming up the bed at night. I have Tempur-Pedic mattress and they sure get cold until the body can warm it up. The heated mattress pad changes all that!Great Idea for the LD!"Larry W" wrote:Quote With today's talk about heaters, it would be a good time to report in about electric mattress heaters. We have been using one for a year now and absolutely think it's one of the best things we have added for wintertime camping. We use to hate getting into an ice-cold bunk but now, once warmed, it's a pleasure. We started with a 120 VAC heater, a $30 Sunbeam model from Wal-Mart, but found that our modified-sine-wave inverter would not operate it. The heater's solid-state controller instantly would go into a fault mode when turned on. It now lives on our bed at home. It was replaced with a 12 VDC ElectroWarmth model from Backwoods Solar. It uses 5 amps and only needs to be run for 30-45 minutes (depending on how cold it is) to nicely warm up our bed. It's a worth every amp-hour of power. 20WARMERS>
Re: Mattress warmers Reply #2 – November 05, 2007, 10:37:07 pm Yahoo Message Number: 85600We have been using [a 12 VDC ElectroWarmth mattress warmer] for a year now and absolutely think it's one of the best things we have added for wintertime camping. We use to hate getting into an ice-cold bunk but now, once warmed, it's a pleasure." Amen! I've had one of these for years, and it's one of life's greatest luxuries. :-) The power used in the half hour that it takes to get my bed nice and cozy is not a big deal, and BOY! does it feel good! Once in bed, I shut it off--my homemade sleep sack keeps me warm from then on. No more popsicle toes! :-)Andy Baird http://www.andybaird.com/travels/
Re: Mattress warmers Reply #3 – November 06, 2007, 12:14:12 am Yahoo Message Number: 85603QuoteAmen! I've had one of these for years, and it's one of life's greatest luxuries. :-) Is it possible to get a 120VAC mattress warmer for the stick house and use a converter in the LD to run it on 12VDC? Or would one waste too much battery power?Thanks.Roz, the W
Storage Bin locks Reply #4 – November 06, 2007, 07:43:30 am Yahoo Message Number: 85608I was looking at Flickr Pixs and noted you had obtained replacement bin locks from Camping World. I am wondering if I could get lucky and find two packages of them, 8 locks, with the same key code. Trying will cost me nothing.I just don't see having locks, if everyone has the same key code. Cheers, Don
Re: Mattress warmers Reply #5 – November 06, 2007, 09:59:06 am Yahoo Message Number: 85611"Larry W" wrote:Quote "With today's talk about heaters, it would be a good time to report in about electric mattress heaters. We have been using one for a year now and absolutely think it's one of the best things we have added for Quotewintertime camping. We use to hate getting into an ice-cold bunk but now, once warmed, it's a pleasure. We started with a 120 VAC heater, a $30 Sunbeam model from Wal-Mart, but found that our modified-sine-wave inverter would not operate it. The heater's solid-state controller instantly would go into a fault mode when turned on. It now lives on our bed at home. It was replaced with a 12 VDC ElectroWarmth model from Backwoods Solar. It uses 5 amps and only needs to be run for 30-45 minutes (depending on how cold it is) to nicely warm up our bed. It's a worth every amp-hour of power. 20WARMERS>QuoteOurs is the T-54 model."Larry We use one of these mattress warmers (usually just to warm up the bed) on our queen bed and can vouch that it works well and is a wonderful, inexpensive luxury on chilly/cold nights.Chris Horst (leaving NYC today and getting back to the real world) Denver 2002 30' IB
Re: Mattress warmers Reply #6 – November 06, 2007, 10:20:47 am Yahoo Message Number: 85613"Is it possible to get a 120VAC mattress warmer for the stick house and use a converter in the LD to run it on 12VDC? Or would one waste too much battery power?"Mrs. WantabeThat was our original plan but the warmer would not operate on the modified-sine-wave inverter. It needs a pure sine-wave (expensive) inverter. Running the warmer on 120 VAC, using a inverter, would use a little more power but since it is on for a short period, it would not make much a of a difference. I feel that you would be better off using the 12-volt model in your motor home (imaginary) and have a second 120 VAC model for your house (real). The 120 VAC home models are inexpensive compared to the 12-volt models. Now quit dreaming and get to working on Jag! Start whispering to him while he is sleeping and maybe try subliminal suggestions. Call my wife for suggestions on how to convince (control) your husband .Larry
Re: Storage Bin locks Reply #7 – November 06, 2007, 10:35:18 am Yahoo Message Number: 85614"I was looking at Flickr Pixs and noted you had obtained replacement bin locks from Camping World. I am wondering if I could get lucky and find two packages of them, 8 locks, with the same key code."DonWho knows, you may find two sets with the same code. I bought one set and left the original locks on the generator and water filler doors. I found that the locks from Camping World had latches that were a little too short to securely hold the doors closed. I had one pop open coming out of Death Valley and was pulled over by a Highway Patrolman. A strip of duct tape held it until we returned home. Welding 1/4" extensions to the latches cured the problem. This was several years ago so they may have changed but it is something that you should be aware of.Larry
Re: Mattress warmers Reply #8 – November 06, 2007, 10:45:31 am Yahoo Message Number: 85616"(leaving NYC today and getting back to the real world) Denver'ChrisAre you driving the LD in NYC? I drove a 24' Winnie into NYC in 1972 and once was enough for me!!! I sometimes drive my sister-law's car in the City but prefer to use the subway and buses.Have a safe trip back.Larry
Re: Mattress warmers Reply #9 – November 06, 2007, 11:09:23 am Yahoo Message Number: 85619--- "Larry W" wrote: "...12 VDC ElectroWarmth model...uses 5 amps and only needs to be run for 30-45 minutes (depending on how cold it is) to nicely warm up our bed. It's a worth every amp-hour of power."I'll add my vote for bed warmers. Here's an option for those who winter in milder climates & don't need the larger sizes: http://tinyurl.com/yqj5d958" L x 42" W, auto shut-off at 30 or 45 min., 8 ft. fused 12v cord, 4 amps, 35-40 watts max, $25 shipped from Amazon Although it's marketed as a 12VDC electric blanket, I used it as a bed warmer (pinned to mattress under fitted sheet) last winter & again the past few weeks. It is similar in size to the ElectroWarmth T42. It does not have cloth tabs around the border, but it does have a "hem" (? don't know the proper term) that I use to pin to the mattress. No thermostat. You can NOT leave it on all night - it has an auto shut-off feature. It's lower powered so it may not get as toasty as the ElectroWarmth, but it feels fairly toasty to me and is definitely sufficient for the 40-50 degree nights in the SF bay area.Andrew
Re: Storage Bin locks Reply #10 – November 06, 2007, 11:26:49 am Yahoo Message Number: 85624I bought the "round" key locks at Camping World several years ago so it is possible things are different now.. They were all keyed the same with the code "10001" stamped on the key as were all the lock sets on the shelf. My doors have stayed closed without problems. I still have not got around to putting the "round" locks on the fresh water tank filler door or on the power cord door on my 2001 26RB. I had some fun with a buddy that also put on the CW round locks and was bragging about how secure his compartments were. I casually walked up and opened his compartment with my key during his security talk. He also had put a lock on his propane door which was a big mistake as easy access to the shut off valve for the propane tank is essential
Re: Storage Bin locks Reply #11 – November 06, 2007, 11:37:56 am Yahoo Message Number: 85626On Tue, 06 Nov 2007 16:35:16 -0000, "Larry W" lw5315us@...> wrote these inspiring words:QuoteI found that the locks from Camping World had latches that were a little too short to securely hold the doors closed. Thanks for the heads-up. I will measure before buying, as I don't have a welder or know how to weld. A skill I wish I had. Cheers, Don
Re: Mattress warmers & recent sale of '05 MB Reply #12 – November 06, 2007, 01:39:20 pm Yahoo Message Number: 85629Quote "(leaving NYC today and getting back to the real world) Denver'ChrisAre you driving the LD in NYC? I drove a 24' Winnie into NYC in 1972 and once was enough for me!!! I sometimes drive my sister-law's car in the City but prefer to use the subway and buses.Have a safe trip back.Larry No, Larry, we flew. I would not consider driving in NYC, parking being the biggest issue - $45 per night in a garage here on Park Ave. & 35th for cars only. While I'm on the wire here, a local Denver owner just sold his '05 MB virtually overnight after listing it on this forum. He also used Barry's used LD table to help formulate the selling price and I believe it was very close to what the table suggested.Chris HorstChris
Re: Mattress warmers Reply #13 – November 06, 2007, 06:57:19 pm Yahoo Message Number: 85630QuoteNow quit dreaming and get to working on Jag! Start whispering to him while he is sleeping and maybe try subliminal suggestions. Call my wife for suggestions on how to convince (control) your husband .Larry Thanks, Larry,I have tried the subliminal thing. Jag is immune! I have tried crying. Jag is immune! I have tried pleading. Jag is immune. I have tried everything ... Jag is ...! He says he wants to fix the sideyard to accommodate the LD, but he has been saying that for several years. To be honest, I think I will just have to let him do things his own way. But, maybe Renee can give me some suggestions. Next time we are in SFV (my sister lives in Woodland Hills), I will give you a call.Mrs. Wanabe
Re: Storage Bin locks Reply #14 – November 06, 2007, 07:47:50 pm Yahoo Message Number: 85632Last time I looked Camping World keys were not unique. I went to a locksmith to get locks and keys for replacements.Jim C.
Re: Storage Bin locks Reply #15 – November 07, 2007, 08:44:08 am Yahoo Message Number: 85651I ordered 9 matching compartment locks with keys from the Mothership. I believe they were $2 each.They are all the 751's. What a benefit since everyone has one! I don't have to give a spare key to my RV repair guy and if I'm ever locked out, I can ask anyone in the campground and they'll have a 751. Not to worry! (Said facitiously!) Also, we now have many compartment keys to use, lose, and find again. They hang on a cup hook near the door. If you're going to lose them all the time, better to be prepared for it.Tessa in TX '92 Ciao Baby!
Re: Mattress warmers Reply #16 – November 07, 2007, 09:17:40 am Yahoo Message Number: 85653QuoteI have tried the subliminal thing. Jag is immune! I have tried crying. Jag is immune! I have tried pleading. Jag is immune. I have tried everything ... Jag is ...! Geez, how long have you been married??? Just tell him if he doesn't get with the program you'll just get one and go by yourself ;o)Liz also wannabe...but doesn't have to convince the DH
Re: Storage Bin locks Reply #17 – November 07, 2007, 10:31:24 am Yahoo Message Number: 85659"They are all the 751's"Tessa751 is the key blank size so there are different keys...kind of. These locks are cheap and all it takes is a worn out key and a little jiggling to pick the lock. The round keys are a little more secure but all it takes is a long screwdriver to pop open any of the doors. As my Dad use to say; Locks keep honest people honest.Larry
Re: Mattress warmers Reply #18 – November 07, 2007, 02:31:44 pm Yahoo Message Number: 85670QuoteI have tried the subliminal thing. Jag is immune! I have tried crying. Jag is immune! I have tried pleading. Jag is immune. I have tried everything ... Jag is ...!Geez, how long have you been married??? Just tell him if he doesn't get with the program you'll just get one and go by yourself ;o)Liz also wannabe...but doesn't have to convince the DH Liz - you are braver than I am! DH is from India, so there is a very different mind set with regard to many things. Since we are on a fixed income, he worries, I believe, about putting out big bucks for an LD, whether new or previously loved. I can understand his feelings. Much of what I was saying in my message above was tongue-in-cheek! He really is a wonderful man. And, by the way, we have been married for 39 years, but together for 46! Despite my kvetching, I am keeping my hopes alive that we will (eventually) get our LD.Roz, the W
Re: Mattress warmers / Now, reluctant RV spouse Reply #19 – November 07, 2007, 10:34:57 pm Yahoo Message Number: 85694Roz, This may not be what you want to hear, but it took me 10 years of whining before I could convince Bob that buying an RV, specifically a LD, was a reasonable thing to do. 10 loooooong years! It was worth the wait. Five years after we picked up our '02 LD, we're still using it, still talking to each other, and still married (45 years).My advice would be…Keep whining! ;^)Good luck!Sharon N.Livingston, TX
Re: Mattress warmers / Now, reluctant RV spouse Reply #20 – November 08, 2007, 01:10:26 am Yahoo Message Number: 85697Quote My advice would be…Keep whining! ;^)Good luck! Sharon N. Livingston, TX Sharon, Great advice and I plan to do just that. Thanks for the good thoughts.Sigh! 10 years? Oy!Roz, the W
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